The 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has emerged as a beacon of hope and renewal for global legislative cooperation, ushering in a new era where parliamentary diplomacy is central to solving the world’s most urgent challenges. Drawing over 1,400 delegates from 130 countries, including an impressive representation of 740 Members of Parliament and 100 parliamentary leaders, the Assembly affirmed its place as one of the most significant platforms for legislative influence in international affairs.
Anchoring the deliberations was the adoption of the Tashkent Declaration, a progressive and timely document that urges parliaments around the world to intensify efforts towards social justice and equitable development. The Declaration calls for transformative actions to lift populations out of poverty, democratize economies for the benefit of marginalized groups, and reinforce institutions—especially through the ethical regulation of digital technologies. In an era defined by inequality, environmental crises, and digital disruption, this declaration offers a pragmatic yet visionary guide for inclusive and resilient national policy frameworks.
A key highlight was the robust push for gender equality. Women constituted 37% of parliamentarians at the Assembly—an historic figure that signals progress while also pointing to areas that still demand attention. With the launch of the IPU’s new gender campaign, “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action”, the global legislative community is being mobilized to take concrete steps, beyond pledges, to dismantle systemic barriers and support women’s leadership in governance.
Moreover, the resolutions passed at the Assembly demonstrate the IPU’s growing influence in shaping peace and development discourse. The resolution on advancing a two-State solution in Palestine, calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian action, reaffirms the moral authority of parliaments to advocate for international law and justice. Meanwhile, the resolution addressing the impact of conflict on sustainable development underscores the necessity for parliaments to engage actively in conflict mitigation, post-conflict reconstruction, and climate action.
Zimbabwe’s notable representation reflects the country’s expanding diplomatic footprint. The election of Hon. Maureen Kademaunga to the Working Group on Science and Technology and Hon. Sengezo Tshabangu to the Health Committee speaks to Zimbabwe’s commitment to shaping global policy through expert-based contributions, particularly in sectors key to development.
The Assembly also served as a dynamic learning space, exploring pressing issues such as artificial intelligence, illegal adoptions, and the geopolitical relevance of emerging alliances like BRICS. These sessions showcased the versatility and responsiveness of parliamentary platforms in addressing both longstanding and emerging global concerns.
The leadership and reflections from IPU President Dr. Tulia Ackson and Secretary General Martin Chungong emphasized the Assembly’s broader mission—to sustain dialogue, uphold democracy, and promote multilateralism. Their call for breaking echo chambers and embracing diverse perspectives aligns with the inclusive spirit that underpins democratic institutions. Hon. Tanzila Narbaeva of Uzbekistan was lauded for successfully steering the Assembly, which not only positioned Uzbekistan as a capable host but also as an emerging leader in parliamentary cooperation and reform.
As the 150th Assembly concluded, it left behind more than resolutions and declarations—it revived a global commitment to use parliamentary platforms for social upliftment, justice, and peace. In a world faced with fragmentation and unrest, the outcomes of Tashkent provide a clear and positive outlook: that through solidarity, dialogue, and strategic legislative action, real and lasting transformation is possible.
